Tag Archives: Garment Sewing

You can so make a shirt: pattern roundup

February 8, 2019

Trying something new can make us feel fearful or hesitant, but sewing your own shirt is actually quite straightforward. I’ve rounded up some great patterns to try, and I’m showing you my latest shirt. Check it out!

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Dawnya MohsFebruary 10, 2019 - 1:43 am
Hi! I literally just finished my first button up shirt today, the McCalls 7575. I love the options you just posted, esp the recital shirt!! Wow! You mentioned getting your printing done at Office Depot. Are they able to handle all sizes? Like what would go to a plotter? Is the cost difference there compared to a pattern plotter printer?ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 12, 2019 - 2:31 pm
  Hi there, Dawnya! I always get my large printing done there. Most patterns are 36″ wide by whatever length. Generally the cost is between $8-10 for a pattern sheet, which I think is totally worth the time it saves me from tracing or taping. I wrote a big, long post about why I have converted to PDF’s, and while I found it to be hot button topic, for me, its a great option. :) You can read that post along with some other info about PDFs HEREReplyCancel
BarbFebruary 11, 2019 - 9:39 am
I second the vote for the Leisl classic shirt. I have made about 5 of them and it is a great pattern. A couple of the ones I made were sleeveless. The men’s Everyday Shirt is also a winner. I’ve made two of these for my husband and he LOVES them.ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 12, 2019 - 2:33 pm
  Aren’t her patterns fantastic? That’s how I’ve learned pretty much everything I know about sewing clothes! She is so thorough, and doesn’t leave out any details. I have the men’s shirt and I wanted to make it about two years ago, and yet it sits in my room. I should get on that! Thank you for the reminder. :)ReplyCancel
EmilyFebruary 12, 2019 - 5:47 pm
I’ve tried all four patterns, and they’re all good. The one I’ve made most is the Archer – although I make it a few sizes smaller since it’s such a generous fit. My favorite is the Granville, though. I like that it is fitted, with the three separate pieces for the back panel. I do have to modify it, though, as I’m not that curvy – I add to the waist and bring the hips in, and then the fit is perfect! And I had no difficulty with the pdf, I wonder if they fixed the problem you ran into??
Another good one is the Cheyenne from Hey June – lots of options and great instructions. ReplyCancel

that favorite piece of clothing

February 6, 2019

When you have a garment you just can’t live without, try taking one apart so you can make as many as you want! That’s what I did with my favorite shirt!

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Azara

January 28, 2019

Chatting all about the Deer & Doe Azara skirt in a long hoarded, large scale Liberty print.

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TeriJanuary 28, 2019 - 8:15 pm
Midi length is my favorite and I think this looks lovely on you! You styled of perfectly and I think it will look equally great with a tee and sandals in the Summer. That fabric is so pretty and this pattern is a great match for it.ReplyCancel
- MeredithJanuary 28, 2019 - 8:28 pm
  Good idea on the sandals! I haven’t been thinking a thing about warmer temps lately but that would be much more “me”. ReplyCancel
EmilyJanuary 29, 2019 - 2:49 am
Such a beautiful skirt and pictures! Thank you for sharing the hard stuff too. I’m proud of you for making the healthy changes!ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 5, 2019 - 10:23 pm
  Emily, thank you so much for your sweet comment. You are a great encourager. I’m hoping this will be my year to make some good changes and feel better!ReplyCancel
BarbJanuary 29, 2019 - 9:28 am
It’s wonderful that you are doing this at 28. I am 58 and am dealing with some of the same issues. I’m reading Rick Hanson’s book, Resilient. He says, “Suppose you had a friend with a body like yours, as well as the talents, skills, good heart, and other virtues that you have. Also, suppose this friend is preoccupied, self-conscious or self-critical about his or her body in whatever ways you are about yourself. Imagine some of the reasonable, compassionate and encouraging things you might say to this friend. Try saying them to yourself inside your mind or even out loud.” We are so hard on ourselves and we need to give ourselves the same kind of compassion and encouragement we would give a friend!You actually look great in these photos. The skirt suits your vibrant personality and your legs look thin in it, so there you go! I’m in Canada and the fact that you can sit outside without 10 layers of wool is miraculous. Our weather report says for tonight – “frostbite in minutes”. Yikes!Keep up the good work, sewing and soulwork!ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 5, 2019 - 10:22 pm
  Barb, I tried to reply to you last week and my comments seem to be on the fritz. I just wanted to say I just love what you said. You are absolutely right about being more critical of ourselves in an unfiltered way in which we would never view others. Also, girl! How are you even surviving weather like that? I lived in Florida for 16 years prior to moving here a couple years back and I cannot even begin to imagine such temperatures. Truly, what do you even do? Do they close whole towns for a week or until that passes?ReplyCancel
  - BarbFebruary 6, 2019 - 10:33 am
    Haha Canadians are hardy! In the coldest weather you see people out without a hat or mitts. I think they are crazy! I’m a big fan of layering, wool/knitting and hot tea. I also sewed myself a wool coat. I love skirts, but waiting for the bus in the winter with only tights on? No thanks! It’s pants and long coats for me. We’ve gone from -27 C to 2C and now have freezing rain and STILL the busses are running. This might have something to do with why Canadian literature is so bleak. One of our writers, Gilles Vigneault, famously said, “Mon pays ce n’est pas un pays, c’est l’hiver (My country is not a country, it is winter). And in February, that’s how we feel! I’m getting away to sunnier climes for a week where I will swap out my woollies for some summer skirts. ReplyCancel

Aubepíne

January 25, 2019

My review of the Deer & Doe Aubepíne. Check out this gorgeous dress in a pretty new print!

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Neon Betsy- the dream dress

January 16, 2019

A brand new Deer & Doe Aubepine in a Liberty exclusive from Jones & Vandermeer, Betsy Neon Coral!

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Welcome to Olivia Jane Handcrafted! I'm Meredith and this is my creative journal. Here you'll find loads of inspiration for a handmade wardrobe, home decor, bags, and quilts. I even have plenty of projects and tutorials to get you started or help you along the way.